Obituary: Rev. William C. Hibbert

March 4, 2008

March 4, 2008

May 11, 2008

RAPID CITY, SD - The Very Reverend William Chattin Hibbert, 67, died on March 4, 2008, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was born in Oak Park, IL, to Frederick and Virginia (Woelfel) Hibbert, and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. In 1962 he graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor's degree and in 1965 from Nashotah House Seminary (Episcopal) in Delafield, WI, with a master's of divinity degree. Fr. Bill served parishes in the Diocese of Northern Indiana, the Diocese of Indianapolis, and the Diocese of South Dakota, retiring in July 2002. In his retirement he continued to serve in the Diocese of South Dakota as needed, particularly working with the congregation of St. James in Belle Fourche as they developed a Mutual Ministry Team there. He lived on a daily basis the Gospel he preached and taught. An important part of Fr. Bill's ministry was his work with various youth-serving agencies, especially the Boy Scouts of America. He worked with various packs, troops and high-adventure explorer posts while living in South Bend and Indianapolis, and traveled with scouts through 48 states; he particularly enjoyed canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and hiking Isle Royale and the Grand Canyon. Upon moving to South Dakota he served as a board member and chaplain in the Black Hills Area Council. In 2003 he put together a Chaplaincy Program for the Boy Scout Sea Base in Florida and served as "All Faiths Chaplain" there for one entire summer and part of another. He attended all the National Jamborees from 1973-2005, serving as Chaplain General and Chaplain Coordinator for most of those years. He also supported the 1983 XV World Jamboree in Canada, serving as a Protestant chaplain. He was the principle author of the Episcopal Church Supplement to the God and Country program and served as the Episcopal Church liaison, as well as the National Council of Churches, for Youth Agencies; he particularly enjoyed his work with P.R.A.Y. (Programs of Religious Activity with Youth). Among his scouting recognitions are the Scouter's Key, Woodbadge, Order of the Arrow - Vigil Honor Member, the Silver Beaver award, the Episcopal St. George Emblem (he was the first priest to receive this and the presentation was made by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. John M. Allin), and the Roman Catholic St. George Award. Survivors include two brothers, Frederick Hibbert (Pat), Joliet, IL, and Richard Hibbert (Nenette), Anaheim, CA; two stepbrothers, Douglas Piercy (Marilee), Naples, FL, and Don Piercy (Pat), Hanover Park, IL; a nephew and cousins; and a very special friend, Deacon Virginia Bird, Rapid City, SD. Fr. Bill asked that any memorial contributions be sent to a church or church organization of the donor's choice, preferably for programs dealing with children and youth. He was especially fond of Thunderhead Episcopal Camp in the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota, Nashotah House Theological Seminary, the Black Hills Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and P.R.A.Y. (8520 Mackenzie Road, St. Louis, MO 63123). A service and interment in the Columbarium of St. James Cathedral Church in South Bend, Indiana, will take place on May 16, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. (A service was also held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Rapid City, SD, prior to this.) Friends may sign his online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com.